Following what originally was going to be a tropical getaway to Cartagena Columbia that never came to fruition after the devastating end to Spirit airlines, I decided to continue my goal of weekend maxing and changed my destination to Mexico City.
The goal was simple- go somewhere for a short weekend trip. I left Friday morning to Mexico City with my return flight on that Monday.
My flight was through Aeromexico, a delta partner- I chose to ride in business overall it was a very comfortable ride. Upon getting to the airport in Mexico I was able to easily Uber to my hotel, the Mondrian. It was then I realized that check in was at 3, and Mexico City is 2 hours behind meaning I had 6 hours until I could check in while running on 2 hours of sleep.
Mexico day 1
Panadería Rosetta– overall 9/10
Overall a fantastic place for a coffee and pastries- it was busy but I was able to take my food to go and chill in a nearby park.
- Guava bun- the house specialty for a reason- 9.5/10
- Juice (beet)- I thought it would be berry flavored but that’s on me. No ranking
- Housemade plum jam- 8/10
El moró churria– overall 5/10
This place was a surprising let down- the coffee was ok, more of a cinnamon sugar flavor than a coffee flavor. The churros were good, but the chocolate dipping sauce was oily and had more of a Nutella taste.
- Café de ollo- 4/10
- Churros with chocolate sauce- 5/10
Café la Selva– overall 9/10
The food was great, a small local place near the Mondrian.
- Chilaquiles with chicken- 9/10
- Lemonade with sparkling water 9/10
Mexico day 2
Mercado de Artesanías La Ciudadela
- Local small Shops
- Scorpion alcohol
- Coffee
- Pottery
- Dolls
Lunch at Fonda Carmelita- overall 8/10
This place is located directly inside the marcado de artisanas de ciudad- the Paloma was great, the quesadillas had a very thick corn tortilla but had great flavor.
- Mezcal Paloma-10/10- can’t go wrong
- Agua de día guanabana- honestly no rank it can’t stand up to the Paloma
- Chicken quesadillas- 6/10
Museo del palacio del artes
It’s an interesting museum located in a busy area- I wouldn’t go back unless there was a specific exhibition I was looking for, especially on a weekend trip.
- Art
- 1 hour walkthrough
Farmacia Paris
Super overwhelming- I think the language barrier hit me the hardest here. This is where having ChatGPT pro helps- just upload a photo and see if the products are worth buying for yourself. Be mindful of what you have to carry around before getting a bulk bottle of lotion. There were a lot of really unique products, I don’t think the prices were special. there also appeared to be many branches along the street, they have a specific fragrance house for those looking for unique scents. My main goal was to pick up some UV mune from La roche pose.
- Skincare
- Bulk bottles of lotions
- Sunscreen
Basílica de Guadalupe
This is a main pilgrimage site for Catholics- the basilica has a mass going on throughout the day. The gift shop was great, the only issue would be that it is located far away from those stationed in condesa so plan accordingly.
Protip: for my English speaking Catholics- go to confession in a Spanish speaking country- it still counts AND no judgement.
- Gift shop (always)
- Big square with the congregation
- Mass and confession available
- Hill to climb with church
McDonald’s
I usually get a cheeseburger, 4 chicken nuggets and a Diet Coke… but I didn’t know how to order chicken nuggets in Spanish so this is what I got
- Cheeseburger
- Fries
- Coke
Mexico City day 3- last day
Breakfast at the Mondrian– overall 6/10
While one of the benefits of booking through Chase is free breakfast in the Edit hotels… if you are in a city for a couple days it might be worth it to just have breakfast elsewhere. Especially in a city known for its culinary abilities.
- Continental breakfast- the coffee tastes like instant coffee- 6/10
- Eggs available for order- I got ordered chilaquiles with green salsa- 5/10
Coyoacán
Started my last day with an early visit to a small neighborhood, mostly known for the Frieda Kahlo museum. While I didn’t go to the museum, I was able to check out the parks as well as a local market Coyoacan Market.
This was a great place for local food (unique candies, as well as unique spices). The gift shop for the Frieda Kahlo museum is open without a ticket. If visiting I highly recommend bringing cash.
After my experience at the market- I headed back to Condesa. While wrapping up my trip and finalizing my packing, I decided to head out and get one last bite. I ended up stopping at a local taco shop.
Tacos Atarantados Condesa- overall 9/10
Here I got the carne asada taco, as well as an Abrazo de Ribeye taco. They have a mixture of salsas and a selection of fruit eaters to drink- I got the guayaba flavored one. The great thing is if you are lost with the menu, the staff is good with recommendations.
After that I ended up back at the hotel to finish packing to get up at 3am.
Departure day
After having maxed out my weekend, I ended up making it to the airport with plenty of time to spare. Of note the airport in Mexico had plenty of shopping, even at 4am and a lounge that was open as well. I checked my bags, picked up some last minute Mexican candy (marzipan de la Rosa) and Tim Hortons and was back to Miami that afternoon. Overall, I think weekend maxing is a great way to solo travel without over thinking or over planning.
Limitless wanderer 
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